Each October, Horizon Health and the Horizon Health Foundation sponsor free dental cleanings, exams, and fluoride treatments. Kayla Vockrodt and her husband, Brandon, took advantage of the program for their daughter, Addie.
The couple lives in De Smet. When Addie experienced a problem with her mouth, her parents brought her to Horizon’s De Smet Dental Clinic. The staff informed them about the Smiles for Miles program, and it sounded like a fantastic opportunity.
“For the most part, it’s not really worth having dental insurance for your kid, especially when they’re really little,” Kayla said.
Being able to access quality care without paying for dental insurance until Addie is older helped ease the financial burden for this young family.
Before her Smiles for Miles visit, the Vockrodt family prepared Addie to ensure she wouldn’t be afraid at the dentist. The visit turned out to be a success.
“She did really, really good,” Kayla said. “She opened her mouth, got a little treat afterward, and now she loves going.”
Dental care for young children is more important than many people realize. Scheduling appointments with a dentist can help address potential issues early and teach kids how to brush their teeth effectively.
“It is great for kids to gain exposure to the dental environment to become familiar with what goes on here,” said Dr. Devyn Prodoehl, DDS. “We really like seeing kids at a young age. It allows us to catch any issues while they are small and fix them in the least traumatic way possible.”
The Smiles for Miles program helped the Vockrodt family set their daughter on a path to lifelong dental health and introduced them to some new friends at the dental clinic.
“We would like to just say thank you,” Kayla expressed. “When kids are super little, they usually don’t have cavities or many issues with their teeth unless they’re not taken care of. We do our best to brush our teeth once or twice a day.”
The Smiles for Miles program takes place every October, providing free dental check-ups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments for children under five at each of Horizon’s dental locations.
Want to learn more about the Smiles for Miles program? Contact one of our dental clinics today and schedule your child’s appointment!
For more tips on early dental care for children, visit the American Dental Association.